Fortifying complementary foods with NaFeEDTA--considerations for developing countries.

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Nutrition
• Public Health

Background:

• Sodium iron (iii) ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) is a bioavailable iron fortifier for food.
• Determining appropriate acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels for infants is challenging, especially in low-income countries with high underweight prevalence.
• The safe dosage of NaFeEDTA for infant fortification requires careful consideration of underweight prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To calculate the appropriate dosage of NaFeEDTA for fortifying complementary foods for infants aged 6-8 months.
• To assess NaFeEDTA dosage based on varying prevalences of underweight in infant populations (5% to 40%).
• To ensure iron fortification stays below the ADI for ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA).

Main Methods:

• Mathematical modeling was employed to simulate NaFeEDTA dosage.
• Simulations considered underweight prevalences ranging from 5% to 40% for 6- to 8-month-old infants.
• Calculations aimed to keep NaFeEDTA intake below the ADI set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.

Main Results:

• For 95% of infants, the daily iron dose from NaFeEDTA should be between 2.2 mg and 1.8 mg, corresponding to underweight prevalences of 5% and 40%, respectively.
• A 2 mg iron dose from NaFeEDTA per daily serving keeps EDTA intake below the ADI for <30% underweight populations.
• This dosage is suitable for many countries with high infant malnutrition.

Conclusions:

• A daily dose of 2 mg of iron from NaFeEDTA is a safe level for fortifying complementary foods for 6- to 8-month-old infants.
• This level ensures compliance with the ADI for EDTA across various underweight prevalence scenarios.
• Additional iron sources, like ferrous sulfate, are recommended to meet target iron fortification levels.